Today, only the invoice price of the electric vehicle is taken into account to receive the benefit from the environmental bonus. In this case, if it does not exceed 47,000 euros, the client can receive a bonus of 5,000 euros or even 7,000 euros depending on the last declared tax income.

But in 2024, everything will change. Indeed, in a thinly veiled protectionist strategy, the government will now take into account the overall carbon footprint of an electric vehicle to determine whether he will be eligible for an environmental bonus. In other words, the further back a car is from (for example, if it’s made in China), the more likely it is that it won’t qualify for the bonus.

In this sense, the government will form very soon list of eligible cars. The Ministry of Economy reported that the list of electric vehicles covered by the environmental bonus, from 1^Er January 2024 will be known on December 15.

This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles while limiting the import of Chinese cars to France. Two official texts to be published in the Official Journal will also provide details the “eco-score” calculation methodology that will be used to determine vehicles’ eligibility for this bonus.

How will this environmental score be calculated?

The environmental score will be calculated by the Agency for Environment and Energy Management (Ademe) based on data provided by manufacturers. This assessment will take into account several key factors, including the carbon footprint of manufacturing, the materials used, the assembly of the vehicle, the production of the battery and the transportation of the vehicle from its production site.

Only electric cars are available the minimum score is 60 points will be entitled to this financial assistance, which will amount to several thousand euros and will be available for purchase or financing.

Thus, France stands out at the European level by implementing this environmental measure, while the European Union tries to develop a unified response to the emergence of electric car manufacturers. Bruno Le Maire, the economy minister, emphasized the goal “stop subsidizing high-carbon electric cars”which will make it possible to popularize the most ecologically clean industrial production.

Agnes Pagnier-Runachet, Minister of Energy Transformation, added that the initiative would benefit an advantage for French and European companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Will all models made in Asia be excluded from the bonus?

Although no criterion is exclusive, the Ministry has recognized this the bill indirectly favored European production. However, it has also been clarified that some small models produced in Asia may also be eligible for this environmental bonus.

The measure also aims to respond to US initiatives such as the Investment Tax Credit (IRA), which provides subsidies to encourage green investment in the United States, particularly in the electric vehicle industry.

The French government says it is confident in the legal reliability of this reform, which complies with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules that allow exceptions to protect the environment.

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